Aerosolisable formulation

ABSTRACT

An aerosolizable formulation comprising (i) water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation; and (ii) nicotine; wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. A process for forming an aerosol comprising the aerosolizable formulation, the aerosolizable formulation contained in a container, and an electronic aerosol provision system having an aerosolizer for aerosolizing the aerosolizable formulation for inhalation by a user.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/GB2019/053095, filed Oct. 31, 2019 which claims priority from GB Patent Application No. 1817859.0 filed Nov. 1, 2018 each of which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an aerosolizable formulation, a method of forming the same, a container containing the same, a device containing the same and processes and uses of the same.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Electronic aerosol provision systems such as e-cigarettes generally contain a reservoir of liquid which is to be vaporized, typically containing nicotine. When a user inhales on the device, a heater is activated to vaporize a small amount of liquid, which is therefore inhaled by the user.

The use of e-cigarettes in the UK has grown rapidly, and it has been estimated that there are now over a million people using them in the UK.

One challenge faced in providing such systems is to provide from the aerosol provision device an aerosol to be inhaled which provides consumers with an acceptable experience. Some consumers may prefer an e-cigarette that generates an aerosol that closely ‘mimics’ smoke inhaled from a tobacco product such as a cigarette. Aerosols from e-cigarettes and smoke from tobacco products such as cigarettes provides to the user a complex chain of flavor in the mouth, nicotine absorption in the mouth and throat, followed by nicotine absorption in the lungs. These various aspects are described by users in terms of flavor, intensity/quality, impact, irritation/smoothness and nicotine reward. Nicotine contributes to a number of these factors, and is strongly associated with factors such as impact, irritation and smoothness; these are readily perceived by consumers, and e-cigarettes may offer too much or too little of these parameters for consumers, depending upon individual preferences. Nicotine reward is particularly complex as it results from both the amount of and speed with which nicotine is absorbed from the lining of the mouth, this is typically nicotine in the vapor phase, and from the amount and speed nicotine that is absorbed from the lungs, this is typically nicotine in the particulate phase of the aerosol which is inhaled. Each of these factors, and their balance, can strongly contribute to consumer acceptability of an e-cigarette. Providing means to optimize the overall vaping experience is therefore desirable to e-cigarette manufacturers.

A further challenge facing such systems is the continued demand for harm reduction. Harm from cigarette and e-cigarette devices primarily comes from toxicants. Therefore, there is a desire to reduce or remove the components which may form toxicants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect there is provided an aerosolizable formulation comprising

(i) water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation; and (ii) nicotine; wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.

In one aspect there is provided a process for forming an aerosol, the process comprising aerosolizing an aerosolizable formulation comprising

(i) water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation; and (ii) nicotine; wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.

In one aspect there is provided a contained aerosolizable formulation comprising

(a) a container; and (b) an aerosolizable formulation comprising

-   -   (i) water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the         aerosolizable formulation; and     -   (ii) nicotine;     -   wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than         1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.

In one aspect there is provided an electronic aerosol provision system comprising:

(a) an aerosolizer for aerosolizing formulation for inhalation by a user of the electronic aerosol provision system; (b) a power supply comprising a cell or battery for supplying power to the aerosolizer (c) an aerosolizable formulation comprising

-   -   (i) water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the         aerosolizable formulation; and     -   (ii) nicotine;     -   wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than         1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will now be described in further detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 shows a graph illustrating variation of p_(s)K_(a2) with nicotine concentration; and

FIG. 2 shows a graph illustrating the nicotine hit, impact (chest), irritation (throat) and overall flavor intensity rating of three different Mojito formulations, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed herein is provided an aerosolizable formulation comprising (i) water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation; and (ii) nicotine; wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. We have found that an advantageous system may be provided in which an aerosolizable formulation contains water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation and contains nicotine in an amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. We have surprising found that in such a high water system, providing nicotine in a maximum amount of no greater than 1 wt. % provides the optimum sensory perception for the user. In particular, control of nicotine to this maximum amount provides a nicotine ‘hit’ and/or sensory perception preferred by users. This desirable nicotine ‘hit’ and/or flavor release is in contrast to ‘traditional’ e-liquids based on glycerol and propylene glycol which users sometimes do not use because of perceived differences in respect of nicotine ‘hit’ and/or flavor release provided by tobacco based cigarettes.

We have also identified that water-based system may be provided in which aerosolized formulation is formed from an aerosolizable formulation at a low temperature. This is in contrast to ‘traditional’ e-cigarettes which use a heater, typically applied to liquids based on glycerol and propylene glycol to form an aerosolized formulation. The provision of such a system and the avoidance of heating may address problems of the prior art relating to the formation of toxicants. More specifically, we have identified a water-based system which, by selection of a very high water content delivers desirable nicotine ‘hit’ and/or flavor release but avoids the need to use the heaters associated with prior liquids based on glycerol and propylene glycol. In the present system, the number of components present may be reduced leading to less chance of forming breakdown products/toxicants. In particular, the use of water allows for the replacement of some or all of the glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propane diol and mixtures thereof typically used in e-cigarettes.

For ease of reference, these and further aspects of the present disclosure are now discussed under appropriate section headings. However, the teachings under each section are not necessarily limited to each particular section.

Water

As discussed herein the aerosolizable formulation comprises water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of at least 55 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of at least 60 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of at least 65 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of at least 70 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of at least 75 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of at least 80 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of at least 85 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of at least 90 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of at least 95 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of at least 99 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.

In one aspect water is present in an amount of from 50 to 99 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of from 55 to 99 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of from 60 to 99 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of from 65 to 99 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of from 70 to 99 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of from 75 to 99 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of from 80 to 99 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of from 85 to 99 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of from 90 to 99 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect water is present in an amount of from 95 to 99 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.

As discussed herein the use of water allows for the replacement of some or all of the glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propane diol and mixtures thereof typically used in e-cigarettes. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propane diol and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 10 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propane diol and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 8 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propane diol and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 5 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propane diol and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 2 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propane diol and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propane diol and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 0.5 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propane diol and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 0.2 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propane diol and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 0.1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propane diol and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 0.01 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains no glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propane diol and mixtures thereof.

In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 10 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 8 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 5 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 2 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 0.5 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 0.2 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 0.1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof in a combined amount of no greater than 0.01 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains no glycerol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol in an amount of no greater than 10 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol in an amount of no greater than 8 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol in an amount of no greater than 5 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol in an amount of no greater than 2 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol in an amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol in an amount of no greater than 0.5 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol in an amount of no greater than 0.2 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol in an amount of no greater than 0.1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains glycerol in an amount of no greater than 0.01 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains no glycerol.

In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains propylene glycol in an amount of no greater than 10 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains propylene glycol in an amount of no greater than 8 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains propylene glycol in an amount of no greater than 5 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains propylene glycol in an amount of no greater than 2 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains propylene glycol in an amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains propylene glycol in an amount of no greater than 0.5 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains propylene glycol in an amount of no greater than 0.2 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains propylene glycol in an amount of no greater than 0.1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains propylene glycol in an amount of no greater than 0.01 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation or based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation contains no propylene glycol.

Nicotine

Nicotine formulations may be provided having desirable properties of flavor, impact, irritation, smoothness and/or nicotine reward for the user. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 0.9 wt. % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 0.8 wt. % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 0.7 wt. % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 0.6 wt. % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 0.5 wt. % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 0.4 wt. % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 0.3 wt. % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 0.2 wt. % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 0.15 wt. % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 0.1 wt. % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation.

In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 1 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 1 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 1 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 1 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 1 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.15 to 1 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.15 to 0.8 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.5 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 0.5 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.5 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 0.5 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 0.5 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.15 to 0.5 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.4 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 0.4 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.4 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 0.4 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 0.4 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.15 to 0.5 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.15 to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.25 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.15 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 0.15 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.15 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 0.15 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable formulation.

As is understood by one skilled in the art, nicotine may exist in unprotonated form, monoprotonated form or diprotonated form. The structures of each of these forms are given below.

Reference in the specification to protonated form means both monoprotonated nicotine and diprotonated nicotine. Reference in the specification to amounts in the protonated form means the combined amount of monoprotonated nicotine and diprotonated nicotine. Furthermore, when reference is made to a fully protonated formulation it will be understood that at any one time there may be very minor amounts of unprotonated nicotine present, e.g. less than 1% unprotonated.

In one aspect the formulation may comprise nicotine in protonated form. In one aspect the formulation may comprise nicotine in unprotonated form. In one aspect the formulation comprises nicotine in unprotonated form and nicotine in monoprotonated form. In one aspect the formulation comprises nicotine in unprotonated form and nicotine in diprotonated form. In one aspect the formulation comprises nicotine in unprotonated form, nicotine in monoprotonated form and nicotine in diprotonated form.

In one aspect at least 5 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 10 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 15 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 20 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 25 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 30 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 35 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 40 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 45 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 50 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 55 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 60 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 65 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 70 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 75 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 80 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 85 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 90 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 95 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 99 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect at least 99.9 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form.

In one aspect from 50 to 95 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect from 55 to 95 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect from 60 to 95 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect from 65 to 95 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect from 70 to 95 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect from 75 to 95 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect from 80 to 95 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect from 85 to 95 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form. In one aspect from 90 to 95 wt % of the nicotine present in the formulation is in protonated form.

The relevant amounts of nicotine which are present in the formulation in protonated form are specified herein. These amounts may be readily calculated by one skilled in the art. Nicotine, 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl) pyridine, is a diprotic base with pKa of 3.12 for the pyridine ring and 8.02 for the pyrrolidine ring It can exist in pH-dependent protonated (mono- and di-) and non-protonated (free base) forms which have different bioavailability.

The distribution of protonated and non-protonated nicotine will vary at various pH increments.

The fraction of non-protonated nicotine will be predominant at high pH levels whilst a decrease in the pH will see an increase of the fraction of protonated nicotine (mono- or di-depending on the pH). If the relative fraction of protonated nicotine and the total amount of nicotine in the sample are known, the absolute amount of protonated nicotine can be calculated.

The relative fraction of protonated nicotine in formulation can be calculated by using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, which describes the pH as a derivation of the acid dissociation constant equation, and it is extensively employed in chemical and biological systems. Consider the following equilibrium:

B+H⁺

BH⁺

The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation for this equilibrium is:

${pH} = {{pKa} + {\log\frac{\lbrack B\rbrack}{\left\lbrack {{BH} +} \right\rbrack}}}$

Where [B] is the amount of non-protonated nicotine (i.e. free base), [BH+] the amount of protonated nicotine (i.e. conjugate acid) and pKa is the reference pKa value for the pyrrolidine ring nitrogen of nicotine (pKa=8.02). The relative fraction of protonated nicotine can be derived from the alpha value of the non-protonated nicotine calculated from the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation as:

${\%\mspace{14mu}{protonated}\mspace{14mu}{nicotine}} = {100 - \left\{ {\frac{\frac{\lbrack B\rbrack}{\left\lbrack {{BH} +} \right\rbrack}}{\left\{ {1 + \frac{\lbrack B\rbrack}{\left\lbrack {{BH} +} \right\rbrack}} \right\}}*100} \right\}}$

Determination of pKa values of nicotine formulations was carried out using the basic approach described in “Spectroscopic investigations into the acid-base properties of nicotine at different temperatures”, Peter M. Clayton, Carl A. Vas, Tam T. T. Bui, Alex F. Drake and Kevin McAdam, Anal. Methods, 2013, 5, 81-88.

Acid

In one aspect the aerosolizable formulation further comprises an acid. The acid may be any suitable acid. In one aspect the acid is an organic acid. In one aspect the acid is a carboxylic acid. In one aspect the acid is an organic carboxylic acid.

In one aspect the acid is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, lactic acid, formic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, pyruvic acid, levulinic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, sorbic acid, propionic acid, phenylacetic acid, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect the acid is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, benzoic acid, levulinic acid, lactic acid, sorbic acid, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect the acid is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, benzoic acid, levulinic acid, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect the acid is at least citric acid. In one aspect the acid consists of citric acid.

In one aspect the acid is selected from acids having a pKa[[pka]] of from 2 to 5. In one aspect the acid is a weak acid. In one aspect the acid is a weak organic acid.

The acid may be present in any suitable amount. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of no greater than 6 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 6 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 6 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 6 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 6 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 5 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 5 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 5 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 5 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of no greater than 4 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 4 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 4 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 4 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 4 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of no greater than 3 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 3 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 3 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 3 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 3 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of no greater than 2 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 2 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 2 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 2 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 2 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of no greater than 1 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 1 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 1 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 1 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 1 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 1 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of no greater than 0.6 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.6 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation.

In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 0.6 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.6 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 0.6 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 0.6 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of no greater than 0.5 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.5 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 0.5 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.5 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 0.5 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of no greater than 0.2 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.2 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 0.2 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.2 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 0.2 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of no greater than 0.1 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.1 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 0.1 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.05 to 0.1 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the acid is present in an amount of from 0.08 to 0.1 wt % based on the aerosolizable formulation.

In one aspect the acid has a solubility in water of at least 2 g/L at 20° C. In one aspect the acid has a solubility in water of at least 5 g/L at 20° C. In one aspect the acid has a solubility in water of at least 10 g/L at 20° C. In one aspect the acid has a solubility in water of at least 20 g/L at 20° C. In one aspect the acid has a solubility in water of at least 50 g/L at 20° C. In one aspect the acid has a solubility in water of at least 100 g/L at 20° C. In one aspect the acid has a solubility in water of at least 200 g/L at 20° C. In one aspect the acid has a solubility in water of at least 300 g/L at 20° C. In one aspect the acid has a solubility in water of at least 400 g/L at 20° C. In one aspect the acid has a solubility in water of at least 500 g/L at 20° C. In one aspect the acid has a solubility in water of at least 600 g/L at 20° C. In one aspect the acid has a solubility in water of at least 700 g/L at 20° C. In one aspect the acid has a solubility in water of at least 800 g/L at 20° C. In one aspect the acid has a solubility in water of at least 900 g/L at 20° C. In one aspect the acid has a solubility in water of at least 1000 g/L at 20° C. In one aspect the acid has a solubility in water of at least 1100 g/L at 20° C.

The amount of acid and the solubility of the acid may be selected such that a given amount of the acid will dissolve in the water. In one aspect at 20° C. at least 20% of the acid dissolves in the water. In one aspect at 25° C. at least 20% of the acid dissolves in the water. In one aspect at 30° C. at least 20% of the acid dissolves in the water. In one aspect at 20° C. at least 35% of the acid dissolves in the water. In one aspect at 20° C. at least 40% of the acid dissolves in the water. In one aspect at 20° C. at least 45% of the acid dissolves in the water. In one aspect at 20° C. at least 50% of the acid dissolves in the water. In one aspect at 20° C. at least 55% of the acid dissolves in the water.

In the aspects of the disclosure that nicotine is present, the molar ratio of acid to nicotine may be selected as desired. In one aspect the molar ratio of acid to nicotine is from 5:1 to 1:5. In one aspect the molar ratio of acid to nicotine is from 4:1 to 1:4. In one aspect the molar ratio of acid to nicotine is from 3:1 to 1:3. In one aspect the molar ratio of acid to nicotine is from 2:1 to 1:2. In one aspect the molar ratio of acid to nicotine is from 1.5:1 to 1:1.5. In one aspect the molar ratio of acid to nicotine is from 1.2:1 to 1:1.2. In one aspect the molar ratio of acid to nicotine is from 5:1 to 1:1. In one aspect the molar ratio of acid to nicotine is from 4:1 to 1:1. In one aspect the molar ratio of acid to nicotine is from 3:1 to 1:1. In one aspect the molar ratio of acid to nicotine is from 2:1 to 1:1. In one aspect the molar ratio of acid to nicotine is from 1.5:1 to 1:1. In one aspect the molar ratio of acid to nicotine is from 1.2:1 to 1:1.

In one aspect the total content of acid present in the formulation is no greater than 5 mole equivalents based on the nicotine. In one aspect the total content of acid present in the formulation is no greater than 4 mole equivalents based on the nicotine. In one aspect the total content of acid present in the formulation is no greater than 3 mole equivalents based on the nicotine. In one aspect the total content of acid present in the formulation is no greater than 2 mole equivalents based on the nicotine. In one aspect the total content of acid present in the formulation is no greater than 1 mole equivalents based on the nicotine.

In one aspect the total content of acid present in the formulation is no less than 0.01 mole equivalents based on the nicotine. In one aspect the total content of acid present in the formulation is no less than 0.05 mole equivalents based on the nicotine. In one aspect the total content of acid present in the formulation is no less than 0.1 mole equivalents based on the nicotine. In one aspect the total content of acid present in the formulation is no less than 0.2 mole equivalents based on the nicotine. In one aspect the total content of acid present in the formulation is no less than 0.3 mole equivalents based on the nicotine. In one aspect the total content of acid present in the formulation is no less than 0.4 mole equivalents based on the nicotine. In one aspect the total content of acid present in the formulation is no less than 0.5 mole equivalents based on the nicotine. In one aspect the total content of acid present in the formulation is no less than 0.7 mole equivalents based on the nicotine.

Flavor

As discussed herein, the aerosolizable formulation may comprise one or more flavors or flavoring components. As used herein, the terms “flavor” and “flavorant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. They may include extracts (e.g. liquorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder. The one or more may be selected from the group consisting of (4-(para-)methoxyphenyl)-2-butanone, vanillin, γ-undecalactone, menthone, 5-propenyl guaethol, menthol, para-mentha-8-thiol-3-one and mixtures thereof. In one aspect the flavor is at least menthol.

If present, the one or more may be present in any suitable amount. In one aspect the one or more are present in a total amount of no greater than 10 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more are present in a total amount of no greater than 7 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more are present in a total amount of no greater than 5 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more are present in a total amount of no greater than 4 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more are present in a total amount of no greater than 3 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more are present in a total amount of no greater than 2 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more are present in a total amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.

In one aspect the one or more are present in a total amount of from 0.01 to 5 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more are present in a total amount of from 0.01 to 4 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more are present in a total amount of from 0.01 to 3 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more are present in a total amount of from 0.01 to 2 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more are present in a total amount of from 0.01 to 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more are present in a total amount of from 0.01 to 0.5 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.

Formulation

In one aspect, if the aerosolizable formulation contains one or more cyclodextrins, then the aerosolizable formulation contains no that can be encapsulated by the one or more cyclodextrins. In one aspect, if the aerosolizable formulation contains one or more cyclodextrins, then the aerosolizable formulation contains no.

As will be appreciated, one or more cyclodextrins may or may not be present in any suitable amount in the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of no greater than 12 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of no greater than 10 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of no greater than 9 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of no greater than 8 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of no greater than 7 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of no greater than 6 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of no greater than 5 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of no greater than 4 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of no greater than 3 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of no greater than 2 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of no greater than 0.1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of no greater than 0.01 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of no greater than 0.001 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.

The one or more cyclodextrins may be selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted cyclodextrins, substituted cyclodextrins and mixtures thereof. In one aspect at least one cyclodextrin is an unsubstituted cyclodextrin. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted cyclodextrins. In one aspect at least one cyclodextrin is a substituted cyclodextrin. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are selected from the group consisting of substituted cyclodextrins.

In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted (α)-cyclodextrin, substituted (α)-cyclodextrin, unsubstituted (β)-cyclodextrin, substituted (β)-cyclodextrin, unsubstituted (γ)-cyclodextrin, substituted (γ)-cyclodextrin, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted (β)-cyclodextrin, substituted (β)-cyclodextrin, and mixtures thereof.

In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted (α)-cyclodextrin, unsubstituted (β)-cyclodextrin, unsubstituted (γ)-cyclodextrin, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins is selected from unsubstituted (β)-cyclodextrin.

In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are selected from the group consisting of substituted (α)-cyclodextrin, substituted (β)-cyclodextrin, substituted (γ)-cyclodextrin, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins is selected from substituted 03)-cyclodextrins. Chemical substitutions at the 2-, 3-, and 6-hydroxyl sites are envisaged, and in particular substitution at the 2-position.

In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins are selected from the group consisting of 2-hydroxy-propyl-α-cyclodextrin, 2-hydroxy-propyl-β-cyclodextrin, 2-hydroxy-propyl-γ-cyclodextrin and mixtures thereof. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins is at least 2-hydroxy-propyl-α-cyclodextrin. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins is at least 2-hydroxy-propyl-β-cyclodextrin. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrins is at least 2-hydroxy-propyl-γ-cyclodextrin.

2-hydroxy-propyl derivatives of cyclodextrins, such as 2-hydroxy-propyl-β-cyclodextrin have increased solubility in water when compared to base cyclodextrins such as β-cyclodextrin.

In further aspects, the aerosolizable formulation contains cyclodextrins in a total amount of no greater than 0.001 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation, such as cyclodextrins in a total amount of no greater than 1×10⁻⁴ wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation, such as cyclodextrins in a total amount of no greater than 1×10⁻⁵ wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation, such as cyclodextrins in a total amount of no greater than 1×10⁻⁶ wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. Thus in further aspects, the present disclosure provides

(1) an aerosolizable formulation comprising (i) water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation; and (ii) nicotine; wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation; and wherein cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of from 0 to 0.001 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. (2) a process for forming an aerosol, the process comprising aerosolizing an aerosolizable formulation comprising (i) water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation; and (ii) nicotine; wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation; and wherein cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of from 0 to 0.001 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation. (3) a contained aerosolizable formulation comprising (a) a container; and (b) an aerosolizable formulation, comprising

-   -   (i) water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the         aerosolizable formulation; and (ii) nicotine;     -   wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than         1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation; and     -   wherein cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of from 0 to         0.001 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.         (4) an electronic aerosol provision system comprising:         (a) an aerosolizer for aerosolizing formulation for inhalation         by a user of the electronic aerosol provision system;         (b) a power supply comprising a cell or battery for supplying         power to the aerosolizer         (c) an aerosolizable formulation, comprising     -   (i) water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the         aerosolizable formulation; and     -   (ii) nicotine;     -   wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than         1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation; and     -   wherein cyclodextrins are present in a total amount of from 0 to         0.001 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.

Process

As discussed herein, in one aspect there is provided a process for forming an aerosol, the process comprising aerosolizing an aerosolizable formulation comprising

(i) water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation; and (ii) nicotine; wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.

In the process the aerosol may be formed by a process performed at a temperature below 60° C. In the process the aerosol may be formed by a process performed at a temperature below 50° C. In the process the aerosol may be formed by a process performed at a temperature below 40° C. In the process the aerosol may be formed by a process performed at a temperature below 30° C. In the process the aerosol may be formed by a process performed at a temperature below 25° C. In the process the aerosol may be formed by a process which does not involve heating.

In the process the aerosol may be formed by applying ultrasonic energy to the aerosolizable formulation.

In one aspect the aerosol has a D50 of from 2 to 6 μm. References in the present specification to particle size distribution, D50, D10 or D90 refer to values measured in accordance with British and European Pharmacopoeia, 2.9.31 Particle Size Analysis By Laser Light Diffraction (see BRITISH PHARMACOPOEIA COMMISSION. (2014), British Pharmacopoeia. London, England: Stationery Office and COUNCIL OF EUROPE. (2013). European Pharmacopoeia. Strasbourg, France: Council of Europe). The terms D50, Dv50 and Dx50 are interchangeable. The terms D10, Dv10 and Dx10 are interchangeable. The terms D90, Dv90 and Dx90 are interchangeable.

In one aspect the aerosol has a D50 of from 2.5 to 6 μm. In one aspect the aerosol has a D50 of from 3 to 6 μm. In one aspect the aerosol has a D50 of from 3.5 to 6 μm. In one aspect the aerosol has a D50 of from 4 to 6 μm. In one aspect the aerosol has a D50 of from 4.5 to 6 μm. In one aspect the aerosol has a D50 of from 5 to 6 μm. In one aspect the aerosol has a D50 of from 2.5 to 5.5 μm. In one aspect the aerosol has a D50 of from 3 to 5.5 μm. In one aspect the aerosol has a D50 of from 3.5 to 5.5 μm. In one aspect the aerosol has a D50 of from 4 to 5.5 μm. In one aspect the aerosol has a D50 of from 4.5 to 5.5 μm. In one aspect the aerosol has a D50 of from 5 to 5.5 μm.

In one aspect the aerosol has a D10 of at least 0.5 μm. In one aspect the aerosol has a D10 of at least 1 μm. In one aspect the aerosol has a D10 of at least 2 μm.

In one aspect the aerosol has a D90 of no greater than 15 μm. In one aspect the aerosol has a D90 of no greater than 12 μm. In one aspect the aerosol has a D90 of no greater than 10 μm.

In one aspect D50 is measured after exclusion of particles having a particle size of less than 1 μm. In one aspect D10 is measured after exclusion of particles having a particle size of less than 1 μm. In one aspect D90 is measured after exclusion of particles having a particle size of less than 1 μm.

The formulation may be contained or delivered by any means. In one aspect the present disclosure provides a contained aerosolizable formulation comprising (a) one or more containers; and (b) an aerosolizable formulation as defined herein. The container may be any suitable container, for example to allow for the storage or delivery of the formulation. In one aspect the container is configured for engagement with an electronic aerosol provision system. The container may be configured to become fluidly in communication with an electronic aerosol provision system so that formulation may be delivered to the electronic aerosol provision system. As described above, the present disclosure relates to container which may be used in an electronic aerosol provision system, such as an e-cigarette. Throughout the following description the term “e-cigarette” is used; however, this term may be used interchangeably with electronic aerosol provision system.

As discussed herein, the container of the present disclosure is typically provided for the delivery of aerosolizable formulation to or within an e-cigarette. The aerosolizable formulation may be held within an e-cigarette or may be sold as a separate container for subsequent use with or in an e-cigarette. As understood by one skilled in the art, e-cigarettes may contain a unit known as a detachable cartomizer which typically comprises a reservoir of aerosolizable formulation, a wick material and a heating element for vaporizing the aerosolizable formulation. In some e-cigarettes, the cartomizer is part of a single-piece device and is not detachable. cartomizer In one aspect the container is not a cartomizer or part of a cartomizer and is a container, such as a tank, which may be used to deliver nicotine formulation to or within an e-cigarette.

In one aspect the container is part of an e-cigarette. Therefore in a further aspect the present disclosure provides an electronic aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosolizable formulation as defined herein; an aerosolizer for aerosolizing formulation for inhalation by a user of the electronic aerosol provision system; and a power supply comprising a cell or battery for supplying power to the aerosolizer.

The process of the present disclosure may comprises additional steps either before the steps listed, after the steps listed or between one or more of the steps listed.

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting example.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A series of tests were conducted using commercially available vibrating mesh nebulizer devices. The “nicotine free” device was loaded with formulation containing 88.0% (w/w) water, 6.0% propylene glycol containing vanilla flavor, and 6.0 glycerol.

A similar device was prepared wherein 1.2% w/w nicotine was added to the formulation, with the water content was commensurately reduced to 86.8% (w/w).

A similar device was prepared wherein 0.6% w/w nicotine was added to the formulation, with the water content was commensurately adjusted to 87.4% (w/w).

A similar device was prepared wherein 0.3% w/w nicotine was added to the formulation, with the water content was commensurately adjusted to 87.7% (w/w).

A similar device was prepared wherein 0.1% w/w nicotine was added to the formulation, with the water content was commensurately adjusted to 87.9% (w/w).

One each of these devices was presented to 8 panelists comprising e-cigarette users, and the panelists were asked to puff on the devices in a sequential monadic fashion for 5 puffs on each device. They were asked to identify the preferred nicotine strength from the four offered to them.

8 panelists preferred a nicotine strength below 1.2% (w/w), 7 people preferred a nicotine strength below 0.6% (w/w), and 5 people preferred a nicotine strength below 0.3% (w/w).

Example 2

Three flavored formulations with different water ratios and nicotine content were assessed by up to ten (10) panelists, which are experienced vapors with different nicotine tolerances.

A series of tests were conducted using commercially available vibrating mesh nebulizer devices. The device was loaded with formulation containing 97.2% (w/w) water, 2.0% (w/w) propylene glycol containing amaretto flavor, and 0.8% (w/w) nicotine.

A similar device was prepared wherein 0.9% (w/w) nicotine was added to the formulation, with the water content was commensurately reduced to 97.1% (w/w).

A similar device was prepared wherein 1.1% (w/w) nicotine was added to the formulation, with the water content was commensurately reduced to 96.9% (w/w).

The summary of tested formulations and their properties are presented in the table below. Panelists were asked to evaluate the formulations in a randomized manner. During the sensory evaluation the panelists ranked several sensory attributes such as throat irritation and chest impact from low (1) to high (9). The panelists were also asked to indicate the most favorite formulation among the tested.

Water, Nicotine, Formulation (w/w) % (w/w) % (β)-Cyclodextrin No panelists Amaretto 97.2 0.8 absent 10 Amaretto 97.1 0.9 absent 10 Amaretto 96.9 1.1 absent 10

Four (4) out of ten (10) panelists preferred Amaretto with 0.8% (w/w) nicotine strength, three (3) out of ten (10) panelists preferred Amaretto with 0.9% (w/w) nicotine strength, two (2) out of ten (10) panelists which were high nicotine users preferred Amaretto with 1.1% (w/w) nicotine strength, and one (1) out of ten (10) panelists did not like any of the formulations. Overall seven (7) out of ten (10) preferred Amaretto formulation with <1% (w/w) nicotine.

Further formulations were prepared also containing (β)-cyclodextrin and were tested by six (6) panelists in the same manner as the Amaretto formulation.

The device was loaded with formulation containing 73.4% (w/w) water, 10.0% (w/w) 2-hydroxy-propyl-O-cyclodextrin, 13% (w/w) glycerol 2.0% (w/w) propylene glycol containing mojito flavor, 0.8% (w/w) nicotine and 0.8% (w/w) benzoic acid.

A similar device was prepared wherein 0.9% (w/w) nicotine was added to the formulation, with the water content was commensurately reduced to 73.2% (w/w).

A similar device was prepared wherein 1.1% (w/w) nicotine was added to the formulation, with the water content was commensurately reduced to 72.8% (w/w).

The summary of tested formulations and their properties are presented in the table below.

Water, Nicotine, Formulation (w/w) % (w/w) % (β)-Cyclodextrin No panelists Mojito 73.4 0.8 present 6 Mojito 73.2 0.9 present 6 Mojito 72.8 1.1 present 6

Four (4) out of six (6) panelists preferred Mojito with 0.8% (w/w) nicotine strength, one (1) out of six (6) panelists preferred Mojito with 1.1% (w/w) nicotine strength and one (1) out of six (6) panelists did not like any of the formulations. Overall four (4) out of six (6) preferred Mojito formulation with <1% nicotine. Nicotine hit, irritation and impact were rated and are shown in FIG. 2. As can be seen from FIG. 2, Mojito with 1.1 (w/w) % nicotine formulation was rated the highest for nicotine hit, irritation and impact.

Various modifications and variations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in chemistry or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. 

1. An aerosolizable formulation comprising: (i) water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation; and (ii) nicotine; wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.
 2. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim wherein water is present in an amount of at least 70 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.
 3. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim wherein water is present in an amount of at least 80 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.
 4. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim 1, wherein water is present in an amount of at least 90 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.
 5. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim 1, wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 0.6 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.
 6. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim 1, wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 0.3 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.
 7. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim 6, wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of from 0.15 to 0.3 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.
 8. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim 1, further comprising an acid.
 9. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim wherein the acid is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, lactic acid, formic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, pyruvic acid, levulinic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, sorbic acid, propionic acid, phenylacetic acid, and mixtures thereof.
 10. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim wherein the acid is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, benzoic acid, levulinic acid, sorbic acid, lactic acid, and mixtures thereof.
 11. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim 8, wherein the acid comprises is at least citric acid.
 12. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim 8, wherein a total content of acid present in the formulation is no greater than 1 mole equivalents based on the nicotine.
 13. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim 8, wherein a total content of acid present in the solution is no less than 0.1 mole equivalents based on the nicotine.
 14. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim 1, further comprising one or more flavors.
 15. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim 14, wherein the one or more flavors are selected from the group consisting of (4-(para-) methoxyphenyl)-2-butanone, vanillin, γ-undecalactone, menthone, 5-propenyl guaethol, menthol, para-mentha-8-thiol-3-one and mixtures thereof.
 16. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim 15, wherein the one or more flavors comprises menthol.
 17. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim 14, wherein the one or more flavors are present in a total amount of no greater than 2 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.
 18. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim 14, wherein the one or more flavors are present in a total amount of from 0.01 to 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.
 19. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim 1, further comprising one or more cyclodextrins, wherein the aerosolizable formulation contains no flavors that can be encapsulated by the one or more cyclodextrins.
 20. An aerosolizable formulation according to claim 1, further comprising one or more cyclodextrins, wherein the aerosolizable formulation contains no flavors.
 21. A process for forming an aerosol, the process comprising: aerosolising an aerosolizable formulation comprising (i) water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation; and (ii) nicotine; wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.
 22. (canceled)
 23. A process according to claim 21, wherein the aerosolizable formulation is aerosolized to form the aerosol at a temperature below 50° C.
 24. A process according to claim 21, wherein aerosolizing the aerosolizable formulation comprises applying ultrasonic energy to the aerosolizable formulation.
 25. A contained aerosolizable formulation comprising: (a) a container; and (b) an aerosolizable formulation comprising: (i) water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation; and (ii) nicotine; wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation.
 26. (canceled)
 27. A contained aerosolizable formulation according to claim 25, wherein the container is configured for engagement with an electronic aerosol provision system.
 28. An electronic aerosol provision system comprising: (a) an aerosolizer for aerosolizing an aerosolizable formulation for inhalation by a user of the electronic aerosol provision system; (b) a power supply comprising a cell or battery for supplying power to the aerosolizer (c) an aerosolizable formulation comprising: (i) water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation; and (ii) nicotine; wherein the nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than 1 wt. % based on the aerosolizable sable formulation.
 29. (canceled) 